Humiliating Hezbollah

Hi Global Recap readers,

After informing you about the Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision yesterday, I realized many readers have a strong interest in financial news.

Well, here’s one for you 😂:

By the way, for those who may not know, Jerome Powell is the Chair of the Federal Reserve. On September 18, he announced a 50 basis point cut in interest rates.

Now, let’s explore the recent stabbing attacks in China and the humiliation Hezbollah is currently facing. 👇

🇨🇳 CHINA
Is Nationalism Fueling Stabbing Attacks?

The tragic murder of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in China has sparked a critical examination of President Xi Jinping’s nationalist policies.

Recent Incident

On Wednesday, a Japanese student was stabbed in Shenzhen, China, adding to a troubling series of knife attacks in the country.

• The attacker stabbed Hiroshi Moriya, who was on his way to the Shenzhen Japanese School.

• On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian described the incident as an “individual case,” dismissing concerns that Xi’s nationalist policies had motivated the attack.

• The incident coincided with thee anniversay of 1931 Mukden incident. The incident was a false flag operation staged by Japanese military personnel to justify the 1931 invasion of Manchuria.

• The suspect, a 44-year-old man, was apprehended near the scene.

Historical Context

Nationalism has been a tool for the Chinese government to bolster its legitimacy.

• This supposed “isolated event” comes after a similar attack in June, where a Japanese woman and her child were stabbed in Suzhou.

• In another case, four US college instructors were also stabbed in a public park in Jilin.

Japan’s Response

Japan’s foreign minister condemned the attack and demanded safety measures.

• Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa called the attack “despicable.”

• Japan has asked China to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

• Japan’s embassy has warned its citizens in China to be vigilant.

🇱🇧 LEBANON
Hezbollah Leader Addresses Explosions

In a speech broadcast on Thursday, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, addressed the explosions of Hezbollah devices in Lebanon.

But Israel’s reponse during and after the address completely humiliated Nasrallah’s tough talk.

How will Hezbollah recover from this?

Explosions and Communication

• Nasrallah called the attacks “war crimes” and a “declaration of war.”

• The explosions occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, terrorists’ pagers went off, and on Wednesday, walkie-talkies and several other devices exploded.

• Nasrallah received messages from Israel to stop the attacks, warning of further strikes.

• Remember: Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8 in support of Hamas and declared they wouldn’t stop unless a ceasefire was reached.

• So, in summary: Hamas invades Israel, Hezbollah joins in, Israel retaliates, and now Hezbollah cries for a ceasefire. Makes sense.

Accusations Against Israel

Nasrallah accused Israel of a “major terrorist operation” and “massacres.”

• He claimed Israel issued thousands of summonses and detonated them simultaneously.

• He labeled the events as massacres and potential war crimes.

During the Address

In what seemed like a warning or mockery, Israeli fighter jets reportedly flew low over Beirut during Nasrallah’s address, releasing flares and creating sonic booms.

After the Address

After the address on Thursday, Israeli fighter jets conducted extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah targets.

• Around 100 rocket launchers, consisting of about 1,000 barrels, were destroyed.

• The strikes aimed to prevent immediate rocket fire towards Israeli territory.

• Israel’s military vowed to continue attacking Hezbollah.

🇪🇺 EUROPEAN UNION
€10 Billion Flood Relief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged €10 billion to aid central European countries facing severe flooding.

Funding Source

The funds will come from the EU’s cohesion fund.

• No co-financing from member states is required.

• This allows for quicker and more flexible use of the funds.

Leaders’ Reactions

Central European leaders praised the move.

• Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasized the importance of quick aid.

• Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala highlighted the need for future flood infrastructure development.

Widespread Damage

The floods have caused severe damage across central Europe, with rain leaving devastation from Romania to Poland.

• At least 24 people have died (subject to change).

• The floods have destroyed bridges, submerged cars, and left towns covered in mud and debris.

• The torrential rain that caused the flooding lasted for several days.

🇬🇪 GEORGIA
Trans Model Murdered

A prominent Georgian transgender model, Kesaria Abramidze, was murdered shortly after the parliament passed a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ law.

Is this a related incident or a mere coincidence?

The Incident

• Kesaria Abramidze was found murdered in her apartment.

• She was 37 years old and one of Georgia’s first openly trans public figures.

• The murder occurred a day after the government passed restrictive legislation on LGBTQ+ rights.

• A man has been arrested in connection with the crime.

Political and Social Reactions

The murder has sparked outrage and calls for action.

• Georgian civil society views the murder as part of a state campaign against minorities.

• The EU’s top diplomat and German officials have condemned the new law.

• President Salome Zourabichvili is expected to veto the law, though the ruling party can override her veto.

Context

The Georgian parliament passed a law curbing LGBTQ+ rights.

• The law bans same-sex marriages and “gender-affirming” treatments.

• It allows officials to outlaw Pride events and censor films and books.

• Critics argue it mirrors repressive laws in neighboring Russia.

Tributes and Legacy

Tributes are pouring in for Abramidze, highlighting her impact on trans rights.

• She represented Georgia at Miss Trans Star International in 2018.

• Abramidze had over 500,000 followers on Instagram.